Tense incident diffused by police in Nakusp

Nakusp RCMP, in a June 13 press release have described details of a June 9 incident involving bizarre behavior by a local resident.

Corporal R.A. Fehler of the Nakusp / Slocan Lake detachment informs that police responded to a report of a male damaging a vehicle with a shovel near the Service BC building. Further reports related to the man throwing rocks through the windows of a residence.

After locating the suspect – a 38 year-old Nakusp resident – a short distance away at his residence, police spoke with the man and tried to take him into custody.

The suspect then barricaded himself in his home, armed with what appeared to be a knife. He reportedly taunted police and said he had a gun.

Police reinforcements arrived and the area around the home was sealed off.

The suspect then poured gasoline on his deck and the Nakusp Fire department and BC Ambulance Service were called.

A two and a half hour stand-off ensued before police were able to take the male into custody without further incident.

“It was determined that the victims of the offences were known to the suspect and that this was not a random act of violence,” Corporal Fehler outlined. “The male appeared in Castlegar Provincial Court on June 11 and has been remanded in custody until July 22.” Arrangements have also been made for a court-ordered psychiatric assessment of the man.

“The Nakusp RCMP would like to thank everyone for their cooperation during this stressful situation,” stated Corp. Fehler, “and the BC Ambulance Service and the Nakusp Fire Department for their assistance.”